Is it actually a good decision to join the game/movie industry?

Testnick

First of all: Right now I learn the very basics of modeling via Arrimus 3d's channel. He's good, very in-depth but "only" covers the basics of everything for modeling. Now there is a lot more to cover if you wanna become reaally good and efficient.
My plan is being able to make movies and games. And some high quality stuff at that.
Now there are different opinions:
It would take 4 years to learn the mere basics, how to make some models, UE4, programming, animating and so on to make a real solid game. It would be easier to cover all that with the mass of material you have in the internet.
It is however hard to find a job, since you compete with many professional artists that maybe work for years already.
Wages suck, no matter what.
Covering the movie part by learning maya etc is a whole new brick of knowledge to consume, another bunch of years gone.

As new guy I have literally no orientation. Right now, looking at modeling, I have no idea how in-depth i should go to be able to make seriously good models and at which point I should look up.. i dont know.. digital tutors? to learn how to rig them and then how to skin and then how to animate them.

BroadDaylight

The movie/game industry is tough, very tough. There will be many years of learning as you point out, and the competition level you have to hit is pretty sky-high. Can you do it? Yeah, you could, but even if you get really good, you may not truly "get in" in the sense you work at a good company that's paying good wages. You may get freelance work, but without that studio experience to back your name up, it's not particularly a viable, smart way to get a good income. Especially if you plan on having a family in the future, and saving money for one. This is not pointed at you specifically, but I think too many people are going into this industry under a "follow your passion" mindset, where in this day and age, with the competition and economy, there is just NO room for even talented people. You have to be insanely good, do lots of networking, and have a lot of luck to land a great position.  Coming right out of school, that is not likely to be you. Maybe a couple years later you'd be decent. 

The industry is spilling over at the seams, with people fighting tooth and nail to get in. Even professionals who have already been in are fighting for the scraps of available jobs. Certain jobs are definitely more competitive than others though, so it really depends on what area you're focusing on. Programming is a booming field everywhere these days, game companies would most likely love to have you (just be prepared for the massively less pay and benefits compared to jobs outside the entertainment industry). Art and animation is a different situation though. Bottom line is, it's ultimately up to you. Just don't be a starry eyed person who thinks the industry will be great and welcoming to them and then find yourself unable to get in, with bills to pay and valuable time being gone. Be aware of what you're getting yourself into. 

Testnick

Yeah kind of what I expected. But I have unfinished goals, therefor I want to learn that stuff. Could also be useful for different other things..

Soo.. I really need advice for a direction..
There are different education paths of what I've heard..

Recently I blindly learned modeling from Arrimus tuts, which was a great experience. I can by now make a good looking, smooth castle.
Now that I'm at Tut 25 he already introduced zbrush, which I never heard of before. I can make a super simple object with smoothing groups and some functions.. do you really start at this point to learn all the tricks and treats of zbrush already?

Can you give me a few tips that I can work off toe by toe? Like.. Pluralsight has a great intro to animation in max, however you dont need this for games since maya is better, so once you know the basics for max go and learn animating with maya.. or something I can follow?
For now going with games is supposedly the better solution.

BroadDaylight

I would focus on the fundamental modeling basics first, before moving on to ZBrush. Get comfortable making models in 3ds max, and for animating you can use Maya. But these are entirely different fields....you need to focus on what aspect of the industry you most enjoy. 

Testnick

Surely animating.. making cool effects.. totally fascinated by it.
Modeling is boring.
However, i need to be a generalist in order to build something.

So regarding modeling some recommendations?
Going more indepth with poly? Cuz arrimus tuts teach you how to make great things with simple functions but sometimes im missing a guide as to what is next on the list but to learn the ropes.

BroadDaylight

If animating is what you want to pursue you don't need to be a generalist. You can find free models with rigs that are license free for you to get started animating with them. Just do a google search. For animation I would recommend signing up at http://www.animationmentor.com/

Testnick

Errr maybe something more affordable? Arrimus tutorials are free and by far better than the slow and very simple ones of Pluralsight.
I assume there is something as efficient as he is on the internetf or animation?